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Solid Waste Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Public Works Director

Hopewell, VA ยท On-site

$160K/yr

... solid waste collections, and construction project management, and related work as apparent or ... Serves as the City's resource for technical engineering expertise; provides engineering ...

Perform professional environmental engineering work and assist with conducting investigations of vapor intrusion sources, management of hazardous or solid waste programs at facilities, inspections ...

Perform professional environmental engineering work and assist with conducting investigations of vapor intrusion sources, management of hazardous or solid waste programs at facilities, inspections ...

Civil Engineer II

Gloucester, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Ensures solid waste management services are provided in accordance with contract. Researches ... Presents capital projects and engineering reports to the Board of Supervisors, School Board ...

Typical project support includes a broad spectrum of civil engineering projects/services for site developments, roads, airfields, water supply, sewer systems, drainage, dredging, solid waste ...

Typical project support includes a broad spectrum of civil engineering projects/services for site developments, roads, airfields, water supply, sewer systems, drainage, dredging, solid waste ...

Typical project support includes a broad spectrum of civil engineering projects/services for site developments, roads, airfields, water supply, sewer systems, drainage, dredging, solid waste ...

Engineer IV

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $155K/yr

... engineer. Serves as construction manager overseeing all phases of construction contract ... solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land ...

Engineer III

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $141K/yr

... solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land ... Engineering and Technologies with a bachelor's degree in the appropriate engineering or ...

Civil Engineer II

Gloucester, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

ENGINEERING DEPT. Opening Date: 08/04/2026 Description The Gloucester County Engineering Department ... Ensures solid waste management services are provided in accordance with contract. * Researches ...

Sr. Eng, Environmental Eng

Hopewell, VA ยท On-site

$91 - $151/hr

Solid waste management (tonnage and cost). Other programs in the department that the engineer will assist with: * Mill Title V air permit program including Boiler MACT, RICE MACT, and stack testing.

Showing results 41-60

Solid Waste Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$40

$47

$52

How much do solid waste engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste engineer in Virginia is $47.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.09 and $50.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a solid waste engineer?

Solid Waste Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and manage systems for the collection, treatment, and disposal of solid waste. Their work includes developing landfill sites, overseeing recycling and composting programs, and ensuring that waste management practices comply with environmental regulations. They play a key role in minimizing the environmental impact of waste and often collaborate with government agencies, private companies, and the public to develop sustainable solutions. Solid Waste Engineers also conduct site assessments, monitor pollution levels, and recommend improvements to waste management systems.

What does a solid waste engineer do?

As a solid waste engineer, your responsibilities are to support the environmental work of a landfill. Your duties include creating a design for a solid waste treatment facility, improving how recycling programs function, arranging for the proper disposal of trash and garbage containers, and creating sanitation plans to ensure workers are not sickened by the content of landfills. To accomplish these tasks, you use software like AutoCAD, collect environmental samples, apply for permits from any relevant agency, and create reports detailing the goals of each project. In some areas, you must work with large amounts of hazardous waste.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solid waste engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solid Waste Engineer, you need a background in environmental or civil engineering, with knowledge of waste management regulations and practices, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering. Familiarity with design software (such as AutoCAD), GIS systems, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and managing projects. These skills ensure the development of safe, compliant, and sustainable waste management solutions that protect public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges solid waste engineers face when managing landfill projects?

Solid Waste Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations, addressing community concerns about odor or groundwater contamination, and optimizing landfill operations for maximum capacity and minimum environmental impact. They must also coordinate with contractors, local agencies, and other engineers to design effective waste containment and leachate management systems. Staying updated on new technologies and best practices is essential to successfully navigating these challenges and ensuring the long-term sustainability of waste management projects.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Engineer vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectSolid Waste EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or related engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) often preferredBachelor's in Environmental, Civil, or Chemical Engineering; PE certification common
Work EnvironmentWaste management facilities, landfills, recycling plantsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, industrial sites
Industry UsageFocuses on waste collection, disposal, and landfill designBroader environmental issues including pollution control and sustainability

Solid Waste Engineers primarily focus on waste management systems, landfills, and recycling processes, working closely with waste facilities. Environmental Engineers have a broader scope, addressing pollution, water quality, and environmental compliance. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in related industries, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and application.

Infographic showing various Solid Waste Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,833 per year, or $47 per hour.

Public Works Director

City of Hopewell

Hopewell, VA โ€ข On-site

$160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description Performs complex professional work planning, organizing, directing, and administering the activities of the department including street maintenance, building maintenance, stormwater program, fleet maintenance, solid waste collections, and construction project management, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves setting policies and goals. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel.

Examples of Duties Directs and coordinates the operations of stormwater management, building construction and maintenance, street and drainage maintenance, grounds maintenance, cemetery operations, solid waste collection, management of inactive landfills, and fleet services. Manages construction contracts for the City; oversees project management for the construction of the municipal public works projects; coordinates and monitors the work of contractors; makes field inspections of public works or engineering projects to review progress, ensures completion and compliance with contract requirements. Works closely with the City Council, City Manager, Deputy City Manager, other City departments, and a variety of public and private organizations in developing programs and implementing projects to solve problems related to public works issues.

Participates in planning activities for the City; serves as a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Central Virginia Waste Management Organization. Evaluates and develops City ordinances and policies for effectiveness and appropriateness. Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Public Works Department, division, and capital improvement budgets; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures.

Coordinates and/or facilitates department activities with the needs of other City departments. Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints and explains department programs to citizens; investigates and takes necessary actions. Serves as the City's resource for technical engineering expertise; provides engineering consultations with staff and community.

Recruits and selects department personnel; assigns, directs, trains, and inspects the work of staff; rewards, disciplines, coaches, counsels, and evaluates staff performance; develops staff schedules; recommends transfers, promotions, suspensions, terminations, and demotions. Ensures the proper safety training and practices of staff. Work beyond normal business hours, attend evening meetings and/or perform weekend work, and travel.

Typical Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field and extensive progressively responsible experience in civil engineering and public works services, maintenance and operations, including considerable supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Licenses and/or Certifications: Registration as a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles and best practices. Extensive knowledge of construction inspections, quality control methods and practices, and of municipal public works administration. Skills: Leadership and communication skills.

Strong technical problem solving and analytical skills. Abilities: Ability to deal with multiple projects/issues concurrently. Ability to work with others and to communicate engineering solutions clearly and concisely.

Other Requirements: Ability to work on rotating shifts during snow and natural emergencies. Supplemental Information Work Environment: Work is primarily performed indoors but is exposed to temperamental changes (warehouses, covered loading docks, garages, etc.) or extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust. Essential Physical Activities: Stooping, crouching, walking, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, talking, standing, finger movement, depth perception

Typical weight handled: up to 75 lbs. DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.